The winter transfer market is in full swing, and Champions League teams have been quick to strengthen their squads. However, fans of the Parisian team are wondering whether the Georgian player, nicknamed ‘Kvaradona,’ will be able to debut and help Luis Enrique’s squad in the two remaining group stage matches against Manchester City and Stuttgart.

UEFA Regulations on Winter Transfers

According to articles 30-32 of the UEFA regulations for the Champions League, winter signings face specific limitations. Article 32.01 states:
"Once the league phase has concluded and before the start of the knockout phase, a club may register a maximum of three new eligible players for the remaining matches in the current competition. These registrations must be completed no later than February 6, 2025."

This means that players signed during the winter transfer window, such as Kvaratskhelia, can only participate in the Champions League starting from the knockout rounds, whether it be the extraordinary playoff round of 16 or the round of 16 itself.

Bad News for Winter Signings

As a result, players like Kvaratskhelia, Donyell Malen (now with Aston Villa under Unai Emery), and Manchester City’s new signings, Omar Marmoush and Eldor Khusanov, will have to wait before making their debuts in this season’s tournament.

For PSG, facing a challenging situation in the competition, not being able to count on Kvaratskhelia for crucial matches against Manchester City and Stuttgart is a significant setback. The same restriction applies to other clubs hoping for an immediate impact from their new signings during the league phase.

Despite these obstacles, winter transfers could prove decisive once the knockout rounds begin, as the regulations allow for their inclusion in the squad list, provided the UEFA deadline is met.